Player of the Year Watch 2018: Updates for Western Mass. basketball, hockey

The 2017-2018 winter sports season continues, and as we continue through the second half, it's time to check in on some of the top players in the region.

Check out the third Player of the Year Watch lists for hockey, boys basketball and girls basketball below.

HOCKEY

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Photo by Conor Ryan

10. Mike Young, Ludlow

Junior goalie has continued to make major strides this season, boosting his save percentage from .831 as backup last year to a mark of .922 this year — the best overall percentage among starting WMass goalies. Stopped 27 of 28 shots in a win over East Longmeadow on Saturday.

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Photo by Conor Ryan

9. Nathan Boucher, Westfield

The leader of a tenacious Bombers defense this season, Boucher logs plenty of ice time while also playing a key role on special teams. A strong skater that’s not afraid to throw the body around, Boucher is also more than capable of generating plays with 11 points on the season.

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Photo by Conor Ryan

8. Cameron Parent, Westfield

Senior goaltender has been downright dominant between the pipes this season, ranking second among WMass netminders with a .921 save percentage. Parent has elevated his game to another level as of late, posting a 23-save shutout against Groton-Dunstable on Jan. 26 while only relinquishing one goal apiece in matchups against Simsbury and Beverly.